Learning how to create accessible content from the beginning can go a long way to ensure that library resources are accessible. Whether you're creating a website, writing a Word doc and saving it as a PDF, or creating a presentation, familiarize yourself with the accessibility checkers and features in your programs.
When you're writing or creating content, refer to the pages in this guide for tips on how to write and format your text in ways that will make it the most accessible.
Disability affects between 20-25% of Americans. This includes both physical and cognitive disabilities.
10% of all Americans have difficulty with hearing or vision.
11% live with cognitive impairments that affect concentration, remembering and decision-making.
Over half of adults over 65 have some type of disability.
Source: CDC Disability & Health U.S. State Profile Data for Virginia
According to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, any entity that receives federal money or provides a public service like education cannot exclude an individual from participating or benefitting from that service due to their disability. This protection is expanded in Section 508, an amendment added in 1998, which says that any electronic program or activity created, used, or procured by a federal agency or business receiving federal money must be accessible to people with disabilities.
The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities from any service or business that provides a public accommodation, which includes education. The ADA includes Title II, which covers local and state governments including public schools, and Title III, which covers public accommodations like libraries.